marți, 3 iunie 2008

TRANSATLANTIC is Prog's premier super group. A truly illustrious collection of amazing talent that push the barriers which redefine the meaning of a progressive rock supergroup! Of course thats no surprise, looking at the all-star line-up: keyboardist / vocalist Neal Morse (Spocks Beard), drummer Mike Portney (Dream Theater), guitarist Roine Stolt (Flower Kings), and bassist Pete Trewavas (Marillion). Together, these multitalented guys have created some truly amazing music. For an all-star progressive rock band, TRANSATLANTIC has a chance to make some musical noise in the United States.

All four musicians agree that "SMPTe" is a timeless piece of rock history and one that shows such diverse influences as PINK FLOYD, YES, GENESIS, KING CRIMSON and The BEATLES. This album captures some of the finest progressive rock ever recorded. Barring the prog-nazis and their arrogant opinions! "Bridge Across Forever" is definitely more of a full-band effort. Those familiar with all the band members styles will certainly identify everyones characteristic touches -- Morses melody, Stolts vibrant playing, Trewevas tasteful licks, Portnoys intense drumming. Also appearing are: Chris Carmichael, violin, viola and cello; Keith Mears, saxophone; and the "Elite" choir, background vocals. Each member of the band gets a shot at lead vocals, and the vocal harmonies are outstanding. In all cases, the musicianship is intense, technical, and ambitious, but never goes over-the-top. Made for fans by fans, "Bridge Across Forever" will stand the test of time to epitomize progressive rock. Sursa: www.progarchives.com

Following an anxious and dark period, Gerben Klazinga could see the sun again and considered: well, the sun also rises and “I know what I like”…, so let’s go back to work! The concepts from 1982 (“The Gate of Eternity”, “Saevis”... etc.) were taken from the shelf and Gerben composed a cluster of new songs, which was recorded as basic structure in the studio.

The story is about a boy who is in search for his identity (to some extent an autobiographical saga). He will locate a lot of shit on his way; nevertheless he succeeds in discovering a vigorous way to cope with his emotions. The time until 2003, he operated with a variety of musicians to sort out his musical ideas. Mark Smit (MIRACLE) carried out the leading vocals, Peter van Heijningen and Jeroen Hogenboom (ex-SANGAMO) played the (lead) guitars and Ron van der Bas (what’s in a name) from Toyz and the Rickenbacker-wizard Gijs Koopman (ex-CLIFFHANGER) performed the bass parts. Mark van Nieuwenhuizen (ex-SANGAMO) carried out some drum parts. Musical mates like Vincent Frijdal for the acoustic guitar parts and Arjan Groenendijk for the power chord parts helped out in constructing the basic arrangements. Stephanie Lagrande as well donated her talents to the album. Brother Joop is also present with his flute, lyrics and some co-production labour.

This album is dedicated to dad Klazinga (Us Heit), ‘the Knight who was fighting the lost Alzheimer-battle’ (1927-2003). The album was recorded, produced and mastered at Knight Area-Studios in Holland by Gerben and Joop Klazinga between April 2001 and March 2003. The project has been released in the beginning of 2004 by the renowned USA label The Laser's Edge. Currently the brothers are already creating some new ideas.

One of the Pioneers on the British Neo Prog scene (apologies to Martin ORFORD - I know you hate the Neo Prog concept), IQ is one of the few bands from the 80's and 90's scene that superbly delivers a full symphonic, rich in emotion music. The outstanding vocals of Peter NICHOLLS give the band its trademark, but the keyboard arrangements from the multiband man Martin ORFORD (JADIS) really add to the atmosphere here. Not enough, the guitar work from Mike HOLMES completes the last essential ingredient of the band's musicianship.

The band is strongly influenced by (GABRIEL era) GENESIS, with a hard-edged and powerfull sound. Very extensive discography, in which you easely notice the band's evolution. I would say IQ is one of the few bands that has been able to maintain a growing curve in terms of musicianship and identity over the years. The music became heavier on the 90's, but with no doubt, it improved a lot.

They truly carried the torch of progressive music into the 80s. Their first two prosper albums, "Tales From The Lush Attic" and "The Wake" are among the very finest progressive rock albums released in that decade. However, IQ's most recent recordings "Ever" and the double-album, "Subterranea", are considered by many of their fans to be even better than their seminal early 80s work. ESSENTIAL PROG!!!

MOSTLY AUTUMN's music can be described as powerful atmospheric rock with a Celtic edge, influenced by PINK FLOYD, DEEP PURPLE and GENESIS, and reminiscent of 70's FLEETWOOD MAC and FAIRPORT CONVENTION. Their sound incorporates the uses of flute, low and penny whistles, violins and vocal harmonies - over a powerful band, existing of keyboards, two guitarists, bass and drums.

This band continues to grow into the classic description of a progressive band. After each disc they get better and better. MOSTLY AUTUMN currently have 6 albums to date. Third album is their most mature to date. A great mix of influences from CAMEL, PINK FLOYD, RENAISSANCE and some folkish JETHRO TULL. Recorded in November 2001 within a very short time, "Music Inspired By The Lords Of The Rings" is not the true awaited opus but rather a respectful tribute to J.R.R. TOLKIEN's "Lord Of The Rings", a timeless masterpiece of fantasy litterature.

Poland will never be known as a hotbed for progressive rock, with extremely few noteworthy prog bands emerging from the country. However, it's fairly obvious from their debut album that RIVERSIDE could very well become the first. Formed in 2001 by four Polish musicians from different musical backgrounds (ranging from death metal to prog), RIVERSIDE was created when Grudznik and Kozieradzki met keyboard player Jacek Melnicki, who owned a recording studio in which the band would record their material. After recruiting bassist Mariusz Duda (who they would later discover to be a very talented singer), things clicked and after a couple of gigs in 2002 which were enthusiastically received, they decided it was time to do some recording. After completing most of their debut album in 2003, they released a self-financed demo, which led to interest from record labels. Their debut album "Out Of Myself" wasn't completed until later due to previous commitments for the band members, but it is now available, and it offers up a remarkable combination of metal, symphonic, and psychedelic prog. One of the best prog albums of the new millennium so far, this is a must-own for any fan of modern prog. It also serves as proof that there is, in fact, some great prog coming out of Poland. RIVERSIDE will undoubtedly go on to become one of the great modern prog bands given time, so watch out for them!